Finding Our Course (Finding our Way 3)

Chapter 25

I stare at the little Christmas tree with a goofy grin. Similar to last year, Bryce bought me a tree this morning and set it up in the corner of my parents’ living room. It’s much smaller than last year, and it didn’t come decorated, so he also bought bags of decorations. It’s a dwarf compared to my parents’ much larger, elaborately decorated tree, but to me, it’s the cutest thing in the world.

Mom’s face lit up when he explained he wanted to start this as a tradition. My heart threatened to burst while Nate and dad shook their heads. Bryce didn’t seem to care when they questioned his manhood. We decorated in our pajamas while my mom made breakfast.

When I went to shower, he slipped a few presents under it only for me. I did the same when he wasn’t looking. Mid-afternoon, Quinn and her parents dropped in, and she immediately started in on him. He took it easily, mentioning that she needed to take note because, if he was gone next year, she was responsible for getting me a tree. At the mention of his deployment, she shut up and promised. In turn, she made him promise that he’d stop doing what she refers to as ‘cheesy shit’. He refused, which spurred more teasing from her.

After the Jacksons left, we had the traditional Christmas dinner with the Randolphs and then opened gifts. One thing about Aspen is we did minimal presents because of the travel. This year, we made up for it.

Even though Bryce and I promised to go small, he lied and gave me a stunning pair of diamond earrings along with a few more charms for my bracelet. My present wasn’t nearly as elaborate, but he seemed to love the set of signed posters from both the University of Tennessee and University of Virginia football roster.

I twist the new diamond earrings in my ears and watch my brother quiz Bryce on the different settings on the watch my parents gave him. It is the same one I gave Bryce for his birthday. Both of them act like super geeks about the features on the watch, and I zoned out a while ago.

I get up to help my mom clean the mess, and Shelia trails us to the kitchen.

“Let me see your pictures. Karen did a terrible job of describing your dress, and I’ve been dying,” she begs.

I flip through and give her the phone to look. The instant she sees the picture of me walking out of the dressing room, she gasps. Tears pool in her eyes, which is exactly the reaction I hoped for.

“It’s so beautiful and elegant. Tell me more.”

I scroll through the pictures and try my best to describe it. “It’s basically an A-line, strapless, tea-length dress. What makes it so elegant is the lace embellishment over the satin.” I point out the intricate beading and details. “The back has crystal buttons to match the lace.”

“What did Quinn decide on?”

“She’s wearing a tea-length, black satin, strapless dress.”

Mom pours us a glass of wine, and we continue talking about the wedding details until Bryce and Nate walk in.

“We’re going out back to get some more firewood.” He kisses my forehead, laying his phone next to me. “There’s a good chance some of the guys may call. Will you answer my phone?”

“Sure.”

They walk out the back door, and my dad and Dave walk in smirking.

“What’s so funny?”

“Those boys will need to chop some wood. I used most of the cut wood this afternoon.”

“Dad! It’s freezing outside!”

He shrugs, clearly not caring, and I go to the hall closet to get some heavy jackets to carry outside. I’m digging through the hats when Bryce’s phone rings on the counter.

“Sheila, can you grab that?” I yell, backing out with my arms full.

The second I hit the kitchen and hear her greeting, I stop dead in my tracks.

“Liza, honey, how are you?” Shelia gushes.

Pause.

“Well, Merry Christmas to you, too. Are you with family or did you have to work?”

Pause.

“That’s great. I know they’re glad to have you home. It sure has been nice to have Bryce and Nate here. I wish they had longer, but we understand about work.”

Pause.